"Women in China’s Esports Fight Misogyny and Gender Barriers for a Seat at the Table"

Women esports players in China face significant hurdles in the male-dominated industry, battling not only intense competition but also online abuse, gender norms, and limited opportunities.

Despite China being one of the world’s largest esports markets, generating over $3.7 billion in revenue, over 90% of professional clubs are male-only. Women are often criticized for their skills and subjected to misogynistic comments, with some even questioned about whether they rely on their male counterparts for success.

Beyond online harassment, women players also encounter structural challenges, like limited recruitment opportunities and unequal recognition. For example, the prize pool for the women’s "Honor of Kings" tournament in 2024 was $140,000, compared to the $9.6 million awarded at the male-dominated King Pro League finals.

With few opportunities in traditional clubs, many women are founding their own teams. However, support from families remains scarce, as many are unfamiliar with the esports industry.

For change, women players and coaches stress the need for increased investment and better policies to make esports a viable career option for women in China.